ABSTRACT
The global response to the devastation caused by the tsunami of December 26, 2004, was an extraordinary display of humanitarian action. Within hours of the disaster scores of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) were providing life-saving medical attention, shelter, and water. Soon thereafter, though, compassion became a status category. Bristling from accusations that they were not doing enough, states began to outbid one another in order to avoid censure and gain stature. In addition to an unprecedented outpouring of financial support, states temporarily gave their militaries humanitarian assignments. The United States dispatched the U.S.S. Lincoln to the coast of the Indonesian province of Aceh to perform search-and-rescue missions and deliver relief. Businesses gave in-kind and financial contributions, and established links on their Web sites where customers could, with a click of a button, join the relief effort.
